By Costa Nkomo
HARARE – Post-election violence in Mozambique following the disputed October 9 elections has prompted the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to convene an emergency summit in Harare next week.
The summit, set for November 16–20, will focus on solutions to the crisis, which has become a significant concern for the region.
SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has faced criticism for prematurely congratulating the ruling FRELIMO party and its leader, Daniel Chapo, before official results were announced.
Mnangagwa declared the elections peaceful, despite reports of violence, including the killing of lawyer Elvino Dias, who represented presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane.
Dias was fatally shot in the capital, Maputo, alongside Mondlane’s party official, Paulo Guambe.
Mondlane, who has since fled Mozambique to seek refuge in South Africa, claims he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. He maintains he won the election, despite the country’s election authority declaring Chapo the winner.
Zimbabwe’s Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, speaking at a post-cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday said the would also address recent elections in Botswana and the upcoming polls in Namibia.
“The nation is informed that an Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government is scheduled to be held in Harare from November 16–20, 2024, primarily to address emerging issues of regional significance,” Muswere said. “The summit is expected to receive briefings on political events in the region, including the recent elections in Mozambique and Botswana and the upcoming polls in Namibia.”
When questioned about the severity of the crisis in Mozambique necessitating the emergency meeting, Muswere downplayed reports of violence, insisting on a peaceful situation. “We do not speak on behalf of the government of Mozambique. From the reports we have received, the situation is very stable and peaceful,” he said.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 11 people have been killed by security forces during protests against the election results in Mozambique, with another 50 sustaining serious gunshot wounds. Protests continue, and tensions remain high.
